Socialdemokraternas newspaper Aktuellt i Politiken (AiP) is facing sharp criticism after describing Liberalerna's meeting leaders as 'hbtqi-profiler' in an article about the party's extra national meeting. According to reports from TV4 Nyheterna and Expressen, the description has drawn condemnation from political figures across party lines.
Moderaternas party secretary Karin Enström called the characterization 'a new low level' in comments to TV4. 'Making sexual orientation into a political weapon is a new low level. Voters deserve a substantive discussion, not cheap points,' Enström reportedly said.
Making sexual orientation into a political weapon is a new low level. Voters deserve a substantive discussion, not cheap points,
Equality Minister Nina Larsson (L) also criticized AiP, describing the reasoning behind such characterizations as 'a hole-in-the-head argument.' Larsson accused similar channels of attacking Liberal leader Simona Mohamsson based on her background rather than policy positions.
Socialdemokraterna has not commented on the criticism, instead referring questions to AiP, according to the reports. AiP, which is owned and funded by Socialdemokraterna, had not responded to media inquiries at the time of reporting.
a hole-in-the-head argument
The controversy stems from an AiP article about Liberalerna's extra national meeting, where the newspaper reportedly described Arman Teimouri and Martin Andreasson, who led the meeting, as 'hbtqi-profiler' known for their engagement in HBTQI issues.